title: Effects of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on low birth weight neonates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Low Birth Weight [LBW] (1500gr ≤ Birth Weight ≤ 2499 gr) is one of the most serious health problems in neonates. These neonates need complementary interventions (e.g. tactile-kinesthetic stimulation) to promote development. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Tactile-Kinesthetic Stimulation (TKS) on physical and behavioral development of Low Birth Weight neonates.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized controlled trial with equal randomization (1:1 for two groups) and parallel group design. Forty LBW neonates were randomly allocated into test (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. TKS was provided for three 15 minute periods per day for 10 consecutive days to the test group, with the massages consisting of moderate pressure strokes in supine and prone position and kinesthetic exercises consisting of flexion and extension of limbs. All measurements were taken before and after completion of the study with the same equipment (Philips electronic weighing scale with an accuracy of ±5 grams and Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment) and by the same person.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a trend towards increased daily weight gain, but without statistical significance. On the Brazelton scale, the test group showed statistically significant improved scores on the 'motor' (P-value <0.001) and 'regulation of state' (P-value = 0.039) clusters after the 10 days TKS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TKS has no adverse effects on physiologic parameters and gives better adaptive behavior of LBW neonates compared to those without TKS.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Faranak
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aliabadi
authors.forename: Reihaneh K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Askary
keywords: Kinesthetic Stimulation; Low Birth Weight; Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale; Tactile Stimulation